Hôtel Belles Rives

I have huge affection for the Belles Rives having stayed and eaten there over the past 50+ years. But, as other reviewers have said, it's relying on past laurels, and this year in particular the service and food is letting the place down. We had lunch there today for the third time this summer, and for the third time it was extremely disappointing. The service was non-existent, they ran out of lots of the food choices, including not having any bread (!), and what food was served was either Luke-warm or cold, with chips being served on hot plates, but with cold chips - a clear sign that they'd been microwaved. We had to ask four people just to get a bottle of water, and were given 2 menus to share between six diners. When we finished our main courses, it took over 30 minutes for the staff to clear the table, and they didn't even complete this. Not acceptable for a eu100 per head restaurant. The worst bit was when we paid the bill and told our server that we thought the service today was the worst ever. He said sorry, and then asked if we wanted to give an extra tip!

. Lied to re check in time . The breakfast was included but you had to pay €12 for an omelette. A beach towel is €8 and chairs €75 for guests not just the public. The chairs are packed so tight you are on top of each other. The hotel is trading on its past glory

First the good: Concierge team was superb from months before our arrival through the day of our departure. Absolutely top notch. (Special shout out to Luca for delightful assistance). Also, our room view was as nice as on the website. The Bad: The day of our arrival we were told the front terrace (basically front and center of hotel) was closed for a wedding. OK. Wedding blared music until midnight - the sort of thump thump thump retro music that literally vibrates the room (and bathroom) - and we were on the top floor. Impossible to sleep. Hard start. I asked the desk guy the next morning what they were telling unhappy guests like me and he responded “it was a wedding”. He didn’t quite smirk or wink, but that was when I understood the chump factor. I knew they had me and he knew I knew they had me. That was really bad ($2200 a night is a lot for me) but the killer is the “private beach” - it isn’t private. They admit the public for money. But - hotel guests get “priority” and a deal on towels (only $8E per towel (to use, not buy)). Private beach and deck area are jam packed and you compete with everyone else (non-hotel guests) for very poor service. That is inexcusable and bumps right up against deception relative to the website. Lesson is that you can’t buy your way into 2020s or 1920s glamour on the Riviera for $2200/night - you can do it with enough money and it may be worth it for at least a short stay, but you have to bite the bullet and go up market. They get three stars because I came to the nuisance and the concierge team was top notch. Next time I’ll save up and go up-market.

The Belles Rives Hotel is a grand hotel with a glamours past. And the past is the most glamorous attribute of this hotel. Arriving early before check-in we asked if it was possible to get in the room early, prior to the 3:00 pm check-in. And, they were able to get us in the room by 2:00 pm however, as the nice front desk attendant walked us into the room, she stated that it was not the upgraded room we had booked as the upgraded room was not available. Now is a nice time to tell us, why not 3 hours ago when we arrived so we could look at alternatives. The room was nicely decorated but very small for a 5 star, very expensive hotel. The staff was very nice and showed up with amenities, fruit, champagne, sweets however they all stood around holding them because there was no table or desk to set them on. And the bathroom was tiny. So, it had a beautiful view of the water and no WIFI. The staff spent two days trying to get the WIFI to work in the room but was not able to fix the problem. Credit for trying. The restaurants were nice and the food generally good. If you like hamburgers, you get a nice hamburger with a bowl of fries for 42 Euros. No garnish, no salad, just a hamburger. The staff was nice but were well trained to avoid eye contact if it was not a table or task they were undertaking. The buffet was ok, nothing to get excited about but on the par with most standard hotel breakfast buffets, similar to the one we had at the airport Hilton. We were able to enjoy a sunbed on the beach front, again very nice and would have been even more enjoyable if at least once during the afternoon an attendant had come over to ask if we would like to order any food or drink. However, they were very engaged with a team meeting at the bar. So, we went up and ordered and brought our drinks back to the lounge. The staff needs better training and more focus on the guests instead of each other, seven staff standing at the F Scott Fitzgerald Bar while guests are patiently waiting does not present a good image. On the positive side the art deco décor was nice, and Lucas the Concierge was outstanding, he made it happen. And the staff did adjust the room rate and provided additional amenities to address the room situation and Wi-Fi issues. That was appreciated. But overall, I would not put this on my list of places to return, the service level needs to be improved and unfortunately the physical limitations of the room and property are difficult to address. Note that the sister hotel that has the pool and gym is not next door, it is about 350 meters down the street.

Short but very pleasant stay, a journey through time! Unforgettable dinner at La Passagère, experience to be repeated

Beautiful spot on the French Riviera, the staff were all exceptional especially the concierge team led by Luca Enrico! Central location with easy day trips, and you can't beat the heritage of the hotel or the views.